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Anand Agricultural University, Anand

Anand Agricultural University (AAU) was established in 2004 at Anand with the support of the Government of Gujarat, Act No.(Guj 5 of 2004) dated April 29, 2004. Caved out of the erstwhile Gujarat Agricultural University (GAU), the dream institution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. K. M. Munshi, the AAU was set up to provide support to the farming community in three facets namely education, research and extension activities in Agriculture, Horticulture Engineering, product Processing and Home Science. At present there seven Colleges, seventeen Research Centers and six Extension Education Institute working in nine districts of Gujarat namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Dahod, Kheda, Panchmahal, Vadodara, Mahisagar, Botad and Chhotaudepur AAU's activities have expanded to span newer commodity sectors such as soil health card, bio-diesel, medicinal plants apart from the mandatory ones like rice, maize, tobacco, vegetable crops, fruit crops, forage crops, animal breeding, nutrition and dairy products etc. the core of AAU's operating philosophy however, continues to create the partnership between the rural people and committed academic as the basic for sustainable rural development. In pursuing its various programmes AAU's overall mission is to promote sustainable growth and economic independence in rural society. AAU aims to do this through education, research and extension education. Thus, AAU works towards the empowerment of the farmers.

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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    IRRIGATION SCHEDULING OF MAIZE (Zea Mays L.) UNDER MULCHED CONDITIONS IN SEMI-ARID REGION
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GODHRA, 2019) Bhargav Anurag Mangalbhai; Dr. R. Subbaiah
    A field experiment entitled “IRRIGATION SCHEDULING OF MAIZE (Zea Mays L.) UNDER MULCHED CONDITIONS IN SEMI ARID REGION” was carried out during rabi, 2018-19 on sandy loam soils of farm of College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Godhra, Panchmahal, Gujarat. The experiment was laid out in a strip plot design replicated four times. The treatments consisted of three levels of irrigation viz., IW/CPE ratio of 0.6 (I1), IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 (I2) and IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 (I3) assigned to main plots and three mulching and control treatment viz., No Mulch (A0), Reflective Silver Plastic Mulch (A1), Paddy Straw Mulch(A2) and Biodegradable plastic mulch(A3) allotted to sub plots.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT OF PUSH TYPE BATTERY POWERED REAPER
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY GODHRA, 2017) NIKHLESH KUMAR VERMA; Dr. Pankaj Gupta
    Harvesting of crop is one of the important agricultural operations which demand considerable amount of labour. The availability and cost of labour during harvesting season are the serious problem. The shortage of labour during harvesting season and vagaries of the weather causes great losses to the farmers.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    FARMERS’ AND DEALERS’ SATISFACTION AND BRAND PREFERENCE FOR SEED DRILL IN RAJKOT AND JUNAGADH DISTRICTS OF GUJARAT
    (International Agribusiness Management Institute Anand Agricultural University Anand, 2017) Malaviya Abhishek V.; Dr. Ritambhara Singh
    Mechanization has an important role to play in Indian agriculture. Given the low levels of mechanization in Indian farming, there is high scope to improve level of mechanization. The fast changing economic environment globally as well as locally, has a strong bearing on the perception of customers, dealers and other stakeholders in any industry including farm machinery industry. Scanty literature is available to understand the dynamic change in farm machinery industry with focus on market.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MANUALLY OPERATED CONO-WEEDER FOR PADDY CROP
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY GODHRA, 2016) HITESHKUMAR BABUBHAI SHAKYA; Dr. R.SWARNKAR
    In middle Gujarat region, weeding operation in wetland paddy is largely done by hand or Khurpi. Another method is the use of mechanical weeders viz., manual or power weeders i.e. engine or tractor operated weeder. Power weeder is not suitable for wetland condition due to increased weight and operational difficulties in puddle field condition. Japanese paddy weeder and TNAU conoweeder are the package equipments and largely adopted by the farmers of the region.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF DRIP AND FURROW IRRIGATED TOMATO CROP IN PANCHMAHAL DISTRICT OF GUJARAT
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GODHRA, 2016) BHANDERI HEPIN D; Dr. M. L. Gaur
    COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF DRIP AND FURROW IRRIGATED TOMATO CROP IN PANCHMAHAL DISTRICT OF GUJARAT
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    CANAL BASED IRRIGATION SCHEDULING AND CONJUNCTIVE WATER USE PLANNING FOR OPTIMAL CROPPING PATTERN IN SELECTED PANAM CANAL COMMAND IN PANCHMAHAL DISTRICT, GUJARAT
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GODHRA, 2017-06) DEEPAK KUMAR; Dr. M. K. Tiwari
    Agriculture is the centre to all strategies for planned socio-economic development of our country. In India 91.6% of the water is used for irrigation purpose as compared to 84% in overall Asia & 71% in the world . In spite of these significant gains, the agriculture sector faces increasing criticism for a perceived lack of performance, unsustainable practices, and excessive adverse environmental impact. Improvement in the water use efficiency through proper management strategies as well as further increase in irrigation potential is crucial to avoid the envisaged water crisis and to meet the future food demand. The irrigation scheduling needs to be carried out with the objectives of improving the system operation
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    FOAM MAT DRYING OF CUSTARD APPLE PULP AND STORAGE STABILITY OF CUSTARD APPLE POWDER
    (COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ANAND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, GODHRA, 2017) KHODIFAD BHARGAVBHAI C; Dr. Navneet Kumar
    The foaming properties (foam expansion, foam density and foam stability) of custard apple pulp were carried out at concentration of egg albumen (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, w/w) with concentration of methyl cellulose (0.0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375 and 0.50%, w/w) and whipping time (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min). The drying experiments of optimized foamed custard apple pulp were carried out at temperature 60, 65, 70 & 75°C and at drying thickness of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm. Drying characteristics of thin layer custard apple pulp were evaluated. Mathematical models were fitted to fit drying data of foamed custard apple pulp. The different biochemical parameters, powder recovery and sensory evaluation of different drying treatments were observed during the experimental work. The storage stability of optimized custard apple powder was evaluated at 30 days interval of storage period using laminated aluminum foil pouch & polyethylene bag. The compromised optimum condition for maximum expansion, stability and minimum density was obtained at egg albumin concentration, methyl cellulose concentration and whipping time of 15%, 0.37% and 17.32 min respectively. The drying time to reach final moisture content for custard apple pulp were 90 to140, 120 to 210, 150 to 290 and 180 to 370 min at drying thickness of 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm, respectively for selected temperature range (60-75°C). Twelve commonly used models were tested to fit the experimental data of foamed custard apple pulp. The R2 value of Hii’s model was higher (0.9956), and corresponding χ2 (0.0005) and RMSE (0.0175) values were lower than other models, which indicate that the model fitted very well to the experimental data. The average values of effective diffusivities of foamed custard apple pulp were varied from 2.01 × 10-08 to 2.04 × 10-07. The activation energy varied from 29.99 to 50.52 kJ/mol with an average value of 41.45 kJ/mol. The maximum ascorbic acid and total sugar were 11.36 mg/100g and 10.53 g/100g observed at 60 and 65°C with thickness of 2 and 4 mm and maximum sensory evaluation 8.25 was observed at 65°C at thickness of 4 mm. During the storage, the average colour-L* values decreased, whereas coloura* values, colour-b* values and total colour deference (ΔE) value increased with storage period. Colour change was more pronounced in packages without vacuum and glass bottle as compared to laminated aluminium foil pouch and Polyethylene bag with vacuum. The average ascorbic acid, total sugar and overall acceptability were more in case of packaging (laminated aluminium foil pouch and polyethylene bag) under vacuum condition as compared to glass bottle followed by (laminated aluminium foil pouch and polyethylene bag) without vacuum condition. The zero-order model is recommended for the prediction of colour-L*, colour-a* value, moisture content, ascorbic acid and total sugar of custard apple powder during storage period due to higher R2 and lower χ² and RMSE values.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    INVESTIGATION ON NOISE ATTENUATION PERFORMANCE OF EXHAUST MUFFLERS OF FARM TRACTORS WITH APPROPRIATE DESIGN ALTERATIONS
    (AAU, Anand, 2017) M. D. VORA; Dr. R. Swarnkar
    Mechanical equipment is the most popular kind of farm power sources being used in current times in the field of agriculture. Majority of the farm operations connected with crop production processes are successfully adapted to mechanization. Tractor has remained at centre as a source of farm power and has played a vital role in agricultural mechanization. All mechanical equipments produce noise and vibrations of different intensities. Excessive vibrations and noises have been considered as damaging factors to both men and machines. Noisy environment has been one of those threats which have emerged out of modern life styles in urban and rural areas both. Tractors dominate rural areas most. While cultivating a field, tractors operate for long hours and generate high level of noises that make an imact on the operators and the neighbourhood. It has now been established that exceeded noise levels cause negative impacts resulting into the mental tiredness and lesser working efficiency. Noise exceeding the certain limits can even cause permanent damage to hearing ability of human beings. Tractor noise is composed of mainly two kinds of noises (i) noise due to motions of machinery parts & vibrations involved, and (ii) noise that is generated during the repeated explosions taking place into the cylinders during combustion which is delivered out through exhaust that is termed as exhaust noise. Exhaust mufflers play an important role in the mitigation of noise levels arising out of engine operation. Reactive muffler is most commonly used on tractors. Investigating the [II] effect of altered design of mufflers on the noise levels can be helpful as a strategic attempt to mitigate the ill effects taking place on human health and comfort due to noise generated out of tractor and farm machinery operations. The primary function of a reactive silencer is to reflect sound waves back to the source. Energy is dissipated in the extended flow path resulting from internal reflections. Reactive silencers generally consist of several pipe segments that interconnect with a number of larger chambers. The reflective effect of the silencer chambers and piping (typically referred to as resonators) essentially prevents some sound wave elements from being transmitted past the silencer. The reactive silencers are more effective at lower frequencies than at high frequencies, and are most widely used to attenuate the exhaust noise of internal combustion engines. The examination of existing noise and vibration levels on farm tractors provided useful data on the intensities of noise and vibrations associated with farm tractor. Vibration levels were observed in velocity (mm/s) and acceleration (m/s2). Regression analysis of data revealed the extent of the effect of vibration levels in longitudinal (X), lateral (Y) and vertical (Z) directions (as observed upon different tractor surfaces) on the noise levels generated. The linear regression equation and graphs were obtained with vibration component as an explanatory variable on x-axis and respective noise level as dependent variable on y-axis along with corresponding value of coefficient of determination (R2). The values of R2 for the linear equation expressing noise level as a function of vibration velocity in X, Y & Z direction were respectively found 0.9333, 0.731 & 0.8597 and 0.9854, 0.9992 & 0.9853 for Tractor-1 (mini tractor) and Tractor-2 respectively. The values of R2 for the linear equation expressing noise level as a function of vibration acceleration in X, Y & Z direction were respectively found 0.9783, 0.9102 & 0.9999 and 0.8936, 0.7796 & 0.9705 for Tractor-1 (mini tractor) and Tractor-2 respectively. The detailed noise level measurement was conducted under three selected muffler mountings namely muffler-A, B & C along with standard muffler (muffler-S) on Tractor-1 i.e. mini tractor (muffler-B excluded) & Tractor-2 (muffler-A excluded). The noise levels (SPL in dBA) recorded at operator’s ear level revealed that the mean noise level observed under muffler-C (82.95 dBA) on Tractor-1 (mini tractor) was significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (83.09 dBA) but was not significantly different when compared with noise level obtained under muffler-A (83.04). While, on Tractor-2, the noise levels observed under muffler-B (84.52 dBA) [III] & muffler-C (84.46 dBA) both were significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (84.90 dBA). The difference in noise levels generated under muffler-A & C on Tractor-1 (mini tractor) was found significant. But, difference in noise levels among altered design mufflers on Tractor-2 i.e. muffler-B & C was found insignificant. The noise level (SPL) test conducted at 10 m distance from the tractor revealed that on Tractor-1 (15 hp mini tractor), the noise levels observed under muffler-A (67.44 dBA) & muffler-C (67.43 dBA) both were significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (68.09 dBA). Similarly, on Tractor-2 (60 hp), the noise levels observed under muffler-B (71.53 dBA) & muffler-C (71.90 dBA) both were significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (72.61 dBA). Though, difference in noise levels of altered design mufflers namely muffler-A & muffler-C on Tractor-1 (mini tractor) was not found significant. But, the noise level observed under muffler-B on Tractor-2 was found significantly lower than that observed under muffler-C. At 30 m distance away from Tractor-1 (15 hp mini tractor), mean noise levels measured under muffler-A (60.27 dBA) & muffler-C (59.92 dBA) both were significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (60.51 dBA). Similarly on Tractor-2 (60 hp), mean noise levels measured under muffler-B (62.72 dBA) & muffler-C (62.70 dBA) both were significantly lower than that recorded under muffler-S (62.89 dBA). Noise level observed under muffler-C was also significantly lower than that observed under muffler-A on Tractor-1 at 30 m distance away from the tractor. But, the difference between noise levels under muffler-B & muffler-C on Tractor-2 was however insignificant. On Tractor-1 (mini tractor), the noise attenuation observed under muffler-S, muffler-A & muffler-C in comparison to no muffler mounting were respectively found 3.0, 3.2 & 3.3 % at ear level, 1.9, 2.9 & 2.9 % at 10 m distance and 2.4, 2.7 & 3.4 % at 30 m distance when noise levels were counted in decibels. When noise levels were counted in μPa, the amount of noise attenuation observed under muffler-S, muffler-A & muffler-C in comparison to no muffler mounting were respectively found 25.9, 26.7 & 27.6 % at ear level, 13.9, 20.6 & 20.6 % at 10 m distance and 15.9, 17.8 & 21.5 % at 30 m distance on Tractor-1 (mini tractor). Thus, muffler-C performed well followed by muffler-A & muffler-S in the next positions with average attenuability of 23.2, 21.7 & 18.6 percent (averaged over three distances of observation) respectively. On Tractor-2, the noise attenuation observed under muffler-S, muffler-A & [IV] muffler-C in comparison to no muffler mounting were respectively found 5.7, 6.1 & 6.1 % at ear level, 3.8, 5.3 & 4.8 % at 10 m distance and 4.6, 4.9 & 4.9 % at 30 m distance when noise levels were counted in decibels. When noise levels were calculated in μPa unit, the amount of noise attenuation observed under muffler-S, muffler-A & muffler-C in comparison to no muffler mounting were respectively found 44.4, 46.9 & 46.9 % at ear level, 28.4, 36.9 & 33.9 % at 10 m distance and 29.2, 30.8 & 30.8 % at 30 m distance on Tractor-1 (mini tractor). Thus, muffler-B performed well followed by muffler-C & muffler-S in the next positions with average attenuability of 38.2, 37.2 & 34 percent (averaged over three distances of observation) respectively. Peak frequency observations obtained under muffler-C on Tractor-1 were found quite lower than that observed under standard muffler (muffler-S) at two places of measurement viz. at ear level and at 10 m distance. But this was not in similar fashion on Tractor-2 where lower peak frequency occurrences were greater under muffler-S than C. Analysis of amplitude levels of tractor noise frequencies conducted with the help of spectrograms revealed greater presence of lower frequencies in the range 0-2.5 kHz at 1500, 1750 & 2000 RPM at ear level under modified muffler than that observed under standard muffler.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    DEVELOPMENT OF PUSH TYPE BATTERY POWERED REAPER
    (AAU, Anand, 2016) NIKHLESH KUMAR VERMA; Dr. Pankaj Gupta
    Harvesting of crop is one of the important agricultural operations which demand considerable amount of labour. The availability and cost of labour during harvesting season are the serious problem. The shortage of labour during harvesting season and vagaries of the weather causes great losses to the farmers. It is therefore, essential to adopt the mechanical methods so that the timeliness in harvesting operation could be ensured. The use of mechanical harvesting device has been increased in the recent years. But, these means especially combine, are very costly making it un-affordable to most of the small farmers. Although, some manual operated reapers were developed. But, due to limitations of manual power, none of them become popular as the power available for cutting and conveying of the crop as well as was transportation of the machine not sufficient. Therefore, push type battery powered reaper was designed and developed, in which the cutting and conveying was done mechanically by means of electric power and transportation by means of manual power. The battery powered reaper include the battery, DC motor, crop row dividers, star wheel, standards cutter bar having 76.2 mm pitch knife section, vertical conveyor chain and gear box. The weight of the developed reaper with the battery was found 32 kg. The performance of the developed reaper was evaluated in wheat field by varying forward speed, cutting angle and cutter bar speed. The reaper was able to cut two rows at a time placed 22.5 cm apart. The total harvesting losses was found 2.67% of total yield. The field capacity and field efficiency was found 0.069 ha/h and 85.06%, respectively at forward speed of 1.55 km/h. The performance of the developed reaper was also compared with the traditional method of harvesting by sickle and mechanical harvesting by SPVCR. Harvesting losses found for developed reaper, SPVCR and sickle were 2.67, 2.02 and 1.03%, respectively. The cost of harvesting of wheat was found maximum with manual local sickle (Rs 3859.50/ha), followed by SPVCR (Rs 868.5/ha), whereas the lowest cost was recorded with the developed reaper (Rs 763.20/ha). Therefore, net saving of Rs 3096/ha was observed with the developed reaper over traditional manual harvesting of wheat crop by sickle and Rs 105.30/ha over SPVCR.